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Michael Carrick Must Pick Phenomenal Youth Talent in the EFL Cup Squad

JJ Gabriel: Manchester United Champions League Fixtures Released

Manchester United play Brighton and Hove Albion in the third round of the EFL Cup, and it’s the perfect opportunity for Michael Carrick to pick JJ Gabriel in the senior squad for the first time.

15-year-old JJ Gabriel is the most talked-about youth player Manchester United have had in years, and it’s clear to see why. Reports this week say the United hierarchy are in ‘total shock‘ at the young attacker’s ability, and this could put him in a strong position to feature in the EFL Cup squad on Wednesday.

Gabriel has already played under Michael Carrick, having featured for United during pre-season. All signs indicated that he will be given a chance this season, and Wednesday’s cup game is the perfect match to make that happen.

Why JJ Gabriel Must be in Carrick’s Thoughts

JJ Gabriel: Recent Form and Praise

JJ Gabriel has already been in blistering form this season, albeit for the youth sides. In a 5-0 romping over Ipswich, Gabriel scored once and recorded two assists for United’s under-21 side. He followed that up by scoring again when he came off the bench for the under-21s against Leicester.

When Manchester United’s under-19 team played Sabah FK in the UEFA Youth League last week, it was JJ Gabriel who yet again grabbed headlines. Notching a hat-trick, Gabriel showed phenomenal flair, attacking nous and pinpoint finishing.

Under-21 coach Adam Lawrence has said, “With talented players, you have to find a way to help them and allow them to flourish and keep improving”. For him to keep improving, he has to begin to feature in senior football, and a place on the bench is what he needs to experience this week.

Leigh, England, 10th September 2026. Joseph Junior Andreou Gabriel (JJ Gabriel) of Manchester United, ManU celebrates scoring their sides third goal during the Manchester United U19 vs Sabah U19 UEFA Youth League match at Leigh Sports Village, … | Source: Lastwordonsports.com - Ricky Carroll, Editor

IMAGO / Sportimage

The Last Word

There’s no better chance for Carrick to put JJ Gabriel in the senior side. He’s earned his chance at potentially seeing some minutes, and even if he’s left on the bench, the experience of a senior match day is going to be valuable to him in years to come.

It’s a win-win situation for Carrick. If United are comfortably winning the game, he can bring Gabriel on to see some first-team minutes ahead of potentially seeing more during the season. If they’re losing, he can bring him on to add a bit of flair and hopefully show something different.

Shea Lacey is another top talent at United, and he has seen plenty of first-team football in the past six months. He’s made nine appearances at just 17 and highlights what regular first-team action can look like for a youngster.